EP1648204A1 - Vehicle lighting apparatus and method for controlling a vehicle lighting apparatus - Google Patents

Vehicle lighting apparatus and method for controlling a vehicle lighting apparatus Download PDF

Info

Publication number
EP1648204A1
EP1648204A1 EP05022530A EP05022530A EP1648204A1 EP 1648204 A1 EP1648204 A1 EP 1648204A1 EP 05022530 A EP05022530 A EP 05022530A EP 05022530 A EP05022530 A EP 05022530A EP 1648204 A1 EP1648204 A1 EP 1648204A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
light
emitting diode
clock pulse
pulse signal
brightness
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP05022530A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1648204B1 (en
Inventor
Christoph Buhr
Anja Böttcher
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Volkswagen AG
Original Assignee
Volkswagen AG
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Volkswagen AG filed Critical Volkswagen AG
Publication of EP1648204A1 publication Critical patent/EP1648204A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1648204B1 publication Critical patent/EP1648204B1/en
Not-in-force legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Images

Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B45/00—Circuit arrangements for operating light-emitting diodes [LED]
    • H05B45/10—Controlling the intensity of the light
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC
    • Y10S—TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y10S362/00—Illumination
    • Y10S362/80—Light emitting diode

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a vehicle lighting device having at least one light emitting diode and a light control device, wherein the light control device is connected to the at least one light emitting diode and with the light control device, a pulse width modulated clock pulse signal generated and the at least one light diode can be transmitted. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for controlling a vehicle lighting device having at least one light emitting diode and a light control device.
  • LEDs are increasingly being used as light sources. Especially in the field of exterior lighting of motor vehicles, the LED is gaining more and more importance. These light sources have the advantage over conventional incandescent lamps that they have a longer life and greater power efficiency.
  • the light-emitting diodes are arranged, for example, in one field or in several fields. You can realize different light functions in this way. There are light functions that differ in their brightness, i. the light functions differ in their luminous flux, which is emitted at the respective light function. In this way, the same light-emitting diode or the same light-emitting diode array can realize two or more light functions by emitting a different light flux in the respective light function.
  • LEDs are conventionally driven by a pulse width modulated clock pulse signal.
  • the luminous flux i.
  • the brightness of the LED is thereby changed over the duty cycle of the clock pulse signal, i. it changes the ratio of the active to the passive phase.
  • a lighting device for a motor vehicle which has light-emitting diodes as light sources whose brightness is adjustable. The brightness is adjusted by changing the duty cycle (pulse-pause ratio).
  • a method for driving bulbs of vehicles and an apparatus for performing the method in which the brightness of the light-emitting diodes is controlled by the pulse-pause ratio.
  • a disadvantage of conventional controls of the light emitting diodes on the duty cycle of the pulse width modulated clock pulse signal is that the resolution of the brightness change, especially at low levels of brightness, is too low.
  • the duty cycle of the clock pulse signal can usually be changed from 1% to 100% with a step size of at least 1%. If the LED is not only intended to realize two different light functions with different brightnesses, but in each case to change the brightness of one or more light functions with a very fine resolution, the step sizes of known control units for the light-emitting diode are not sufficient.
  • the vehicle lighting device is characterized in that between the light control device and the at least one light emitting diode, a circuit is arranged, with the pulse width modulated clock pulse signal via different resistances of the at least one light emitting diode can be supplied in response to a control signal.
  • An advantage of the lighting device according to the invention is that by selecting the different resistance values, any brightness characteristic curves for the light-emitting diode can be realized in which different resolutions can be set for different brightness ranges. It can thus be set different slopes of the corresponding characteristic.
  • control signal predefines the brightness range of the at least one light-emitting diode.
  • various resistances are provided in the circuit, which are assigned to different brightness ranges.
  • the resistors in turn, each switch assigned, which can be switched by means of relays or power electronics.
  • the switches are arranged such that when the switch is closed, the pulse-width-modulated clock pulse signal of the at least one light-emitting diode can be supplied via the resistor assigned to the respective switch.
  • the overall brightness characteristic curve of the at least one light-emitting diode which is generated by the resistance circuit approaches a (logarithmic or) exponential function in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the vehicle lighting device according to the invention.
  • This embodiment has the advantage that brightness changes can be better adapted to the perception of the human eye.
  • the sensitivity of the human eye is not linear, but approximately logarithmic.
  • the circuit is designed so that a clock pulse signal with a smaller duty cycle of the at least one light emitting diode is supplied via a larger resistor and a clock pulse signal with a larger duty cycle of the at least one light emitting diode is supplied via a smaller resistor.
  • the vehicle lighting device according to the invention can thus be preferably used a light control device, which can change the duty cycle of the pulse width modulated clock pulse signal linearly with a fixed step size. It can thus be a conventional light control device in the vehicle lighting device according to the invention be used, thereby saving costs. It is only necessary to provide the circuit between the light control device and the light emitting diode.
  • the light control device In the method according to the invention for controlling the vehicle lighting device, the light control device generates a pulse-width-modulated clock pulse signal and transmits it to a circuit.
  • the circuit receives a control signal and, in response to the control signal, supplies the pulse width modulated clock pulse signal to the at least one light emitting diode via various resistors.
  • the brightness resolution for each brightness range can advantageously be adjusted as desired, wherein furthermore a conventional pulse-width-modulated clock pulse signal whose duty cycle can be changed with a certain predetermined step size can be used.
  • a desired brightness is transmitted to the light control device and the light control device generates the duty cycle of the pulse width modulated clock pulse signal as a function of the desired brightness.
  • the control signal preferably indicates in which brightness range the desired brightness of the at least one light-emitting diode lies. Each brightness range in this case corresponds to a resistor provided in the circuit, the sizes of the resistors differing.
  • the duty cycle of the pulse-width-modulated clock pulse signal can be changed linearly with a fixed step size, wherein the duty cycle is set as a function of the _soll brightness.
  • the control signal specifies over which resistor path the clock pulse signal of the light-emitting diode is supplied, so that the brightness characteristic, ie in particular the Brightness change between the fixed predetermined step size over which resistors can be set arbitrarily.
  • a clock pulse signal having a smaller duty cycle is supplied to the at least one light-emitting diode via a larger resistor, and a clock pulse signal having a larger duty cycle is supplied to the at least one light-emitting diode via a smaller resistor.
  • the desired brightness depends on the ambient conditions of the motor vehicle.
  • the visibility of the rear light signals on the vehicle can be improved, since they lead to different brightnesses, for example during the day and at night.
  • the lighting device may be, for example, interior lighting units or exterior lighting units of a motor vehicle. These may be headlamps, direction indicators, tail and tail lights at the rear of the vehicle, reversing lights, daytime running lights, fog lights, side direction indicators or adaptive lighting functions of the vehicle.
  • the lighting device has a light-emitting diode 3 or a field with a plurality of light-emitting diodes.
  • the LED 3 is controlled by a known light control device 1.
  • This light control device 1 receives a value for the desired brightness via a vehicle bus 5.
  • the light controller generates from this a pulse width modulated clock pulse signal whose duty cycle corresponds to the value of the desired brightness.
  • the light control device 1 shown in FIG Take into account the brightness characteristic of the lighting device.
  • the pulse width modulated clock pulse signal PWM is transmitted to the circuit 2.
  • a control signal S is transmitted to the circuit 2. In the exemplary embodiment shown, this control signal S is also transmitted by the light control device 1.
  • each series resistor R1, R2 or R3 is assigned a switch S1, S2 or S3. In each case one of these switches S1, S2 or S3 can be closed by a controller 4.
  • the resistors R1, R2 and R3 are connected via their respective switches S1, S2 and S3 on the one hand to the light-emitting diode and on the other hand to the input of the circuit 2 for the clock pulse signal from the light control device 1. If, for example, the switch S1 is closed by the controller 4, the clock pulse signal is supplied to the light-emitting diode 3 via the resistor R1. On the other hand, if the switch S2 is closed, the clock pulse signal via the resistor R2 and corresponding to S3 is supplied via the resistor R3 of the light emitting diode 3.
  • the controller 4 is a microcontroller with an interface for the bus 5, via which the control signal S is supplied.
  • the controller 4 also relays or power electronics, for example with power semiconductors, are provided, which represent the switches S1, S2 and S3.
  • the resistors R1, R2 and R3 are each assigned brightness ranges A, B and C (see Fig. 2). If the control signal S represents the setpoint brightness value, the controller 4 determines in which brightness range A, B or C the setpoint brightness value is located.
  • the controller 4 closes the switch S1
  • the setpoint brightness value is in the brightness range B
  • the controller 4 closes the switch S2
  • the controller 4 closes the switch S3
  • the controller 4 closes the switch S3
  • Characteristic of the characteristic shown in Fig. 2 is that in the brightness range A, the brightness of the light emitting diode 3 can be changed in much smaller steps, as in the brightness range B or C.
  • the duty cycle of the pulse width modulated clock pulse signal PWM, that of the known light control device 1 is generated, namely only linearly with a fixed step size of, for example, 1% to be changed.
  • the total available brightness range is sufficiently large, since at higher brightnesses only a coarser resolution is chosen. Such a characteristic is particularly advantageous for the rear light signals of a motor vehicle.

Landscapes

  • Lighting Device Outwards From Vehicle And Optical Signal (AREA)
  • Arrangements Of Lighting Devices For Vehicle Interiors, Mounting And Supporting Thereof, Circuits Therefore (AREA)

Abstract

The vehicle lighting device has at least one light emitting diode (3) and a light control device (1) connected to the diode. The control device generates a pulse width modulated clock pulse signal which is conveyed to the diode. A circuit (2) is arranged between the control device and the diode. This is used to convey the pulse wdith modulated clock pulse signal to the diode over different resistances in dependence on a control signal. Independent claims also cover a control method.

Description

Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft eine Fahrzeug-Beleuchtungsvorrichtung mit zumindest einer Leuchtdiode und einem Lichtsteuergerät, wobei das Lichtsteuergerät mit der zumindest einen Leuchtdiode verbunden ist und mit dem Lichtsteuergerät ein pulsweitenmoduliertes Taktimpulssignal erzeugbar und an die zumindest eine Lichtdiode übertragbar ist. Ferner betrifft die Erfindung ein Verfahren zum Steuern einer Fahrzeug-Beleuchtungsvorrichtung mit zumindest einer Leuchtdiode und einem Lichtsteuergerät.The present invention relates to a vehicle lighting device having at least one light emitting diode and a light control device, wherein the light control device is connected to the at least one light emitting diode and with the light control device, a pulse width modulated clock pulse signal generated and the at least one light diode can be transmitted. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for controlling a vehicle lighting device having at least one light emitting diode and a light control device.

Bei Fahrzeugleuchten werden in zunehmenden Maße Leuchtdioden als Lichtquellen eingesetzt. Insbesondere im Bereich der Außenbeleuchtung von Kraftfahrzeugen gewinnt die Leuchtdiode mehr und mehr an Bedeutung. Diese Lichtquellen besitzen gegenüber konventionellen Glühlampen den Vorteil, dass sie eine höhere Lebensdauer und größere Leistungseffizienz aufweisen.In vehicle lights, LEDs are increasingly being used as light sources. Especially in the field of exterior lighting of motor vehicles, the LED is gaining more and more importance. These light sources have the advantage over conventional incandescent lamps that they have a longer life and greater power efficiency.

Die Leuchtdioden sind beispielsweise in einem Feld bzw. in mehreren Feldern angeordnet. Sie können auf diese Weise unterschiedliche Lichtfunktionen realisieren. Es gibt Lichtfunktionen, die sich hinsichtlich ihrer Helligkeit unterscheiden, d.h. die Lichtfunktionen unterscheiden sich in ihrem Lichtstrom, der bei der jeweiligen Lichtfunktion emittiert wird. Auf diese Weise kann dieselbe Leuchtdiode bzw. dasselbe Leuchtdiodenfeld zwei oder mehr Lichtfunktionen realisieren, indem bei der jeweiligen Lichtfunktion ein unterschiedlicher Lichtstrom emittiert wird.The light-emitting diodes are arranged, for example, in one field or in several fields. You can realize different light functions in this way. There are light functions that differ in their brightness, i. the light functions differ in their luminous flux, which is emitted at the respective light function. In this way, the same light-emitting diode or the same light-emitting diode array can realize two or more light functions by emitting a different light flux in the respective light function.

Leuchtdioden werden herkömmlicherweise über ein pulsweitenmodulierbares Taktimpulssignal angesteuert. Der Lichtstrom, d.h. die Helligkeit der Leuchtdiode, wird dabei über das Tastverhältnis des Taktimpulssignals verändert, d.h. es wird das Verhältnis der aktiven zur passiven Phase verändert.LEDs are conventionally driven by a pulse width modulated clock pulse signal. The luminous flux, i. The brightness of the LED is thereby changed over the duty cycle of the clock pulse signal, i. it changes the ratio of the active to the passive phase.

Aus der DE 100 27 478 A1 ist eine Beleuchtungseinrichtung für ein Kraftfahrzeug bekannt, welche als Lichtquellen Leuchtdioden aufweist, deren Helligkeit einstellbar ist. Die Einstellung der Helligkeit erfolgt dadurch, dass das Tastverhältnis (Puls-Pausen-Verhältnis) verändert wird. Gleichermaßen ist aus der DE 199 45 546 A1 ein Verfahren zur Ansteuerung von Leuchtmitteln von Fahrzeugen sowie eine Vorrichtung zur Durchführung des Verfahrens bekannt, bei dem die Helligkeit der Leuchtdioden durch das Puls-Pausen-Verhältnis gesteuert wird.From DE 100 27 478 A1 a lighting device for a motor vehicle is known, which has light-emitting diodes as light sources whose brightness is adjustable. The brightness is adjusted by changing the duty cycle (pulse-pause ratio). Similarly, from DE 199 45 546 A1 a method for driving bulbs of vehicles and an apparatus for performing the method, in which the brightness of the light-emitting diodes is controlled by the pulse-pause ratio.

Nachteilhaft an herkömmlichen Steuerungen der Leuchtdioden über das Tastverhältnis des pulsweitenmodulierten Taktimpulssignals ist, dass die Auflösung der Helligkeitsveränderung, insbesondere bei geringen Helligkeiten, zu gering ist. Das Tastverhältnis des Taktimpulssignals kann üblicherweise von 1 % bis 100 % mit einer Schrittweite von zumindest 1 % verändert werden. Soll die Leuchtdiode nicht nur zwei verschiedene Lichtfunktionen mit unterschiedlichen Helligkeiten realisieren, sondern jeweils die Helligkeit einer oder mehrerer Lichtfunktionen mit einer sehr feinen Auflösung verändern, reichen die Schrittweiten bekannter Steuergeräte für die Leuchtdiode nicht aus.A disadvantage of conventional controls of the light emitting diodes on the duty cycle of the pulse width modulated clock pulse signal is that the resolution of the brightness change, especially at low levels of brightness, is too low. The duty cycle of the clock pulse signal can usually be changed from 1% to 100% with a step size of at least 1%. If the LED is not only intended to realize two different light functions with different brightnesses, but in each case to change the brightness of one or more light functions with a very fine resolution, the step sizes of known control units for the light-emitting diode are not sufficient.

Es ist demnach die Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung, eine Fahrzeug-Beleuchtungsvorrichtung bzw. ein Verfahren zum Steuern einer Fahrzeug-Beleuchtungsvorrichtung der eingangs genannten Art bereitzustellen, die über einen großen Helligkeitsbereich sehr kleine Veränderungen der Helligkeit der Leuchtdiode, zumindest in einem Teilbereich, herbeiführen können.It is therefore the object of the present invention to provide a vehicle lighting device or a method for controlling a vehicle lighting device of the type mentioned, which can bring about very small changes in the brightness of the light emitting diode over a large brightness range, at least in a partial area.

Diese Aufgabe wird durch eine Fahrzeug-Beleuchtungsvorrichtung mit den Merkmalen des Anspruchs 1 bzw. durch ein Verfahren mit den Merkmalen des Anspruchs 8 gelöst. Vorteilhafte Aus- und Weiterbildungen ergeben sich aus den Merkmalen der Unteransprüche.This object is achieved by a vehicle lighting device having the features of claim 1 or by a method having the features of claim 8. Advantageous embodiments and further developments emerge from the features of the subclaims.

Die erfindungsgemäße Fahrzeug-Beleuchtungsvorrichtung ist dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass zwischen dem Lichtsteuergerät und der zumindest einen Leuchtdiode eine Schaltung angeordnet ist, mit der in Abhängigkeit von einem Steuersignal das pulsweitenmodulierte Taktimpulssignal über verschiedene Widerstände der zumindest einen Leuchtdiode zuführbar ist. Vorteilhaft an der erfindungsgemäßen Beleuchtungsvorrichtung ist, dass durch die Auswahl der unterschiedlichen Widerstandswerte beliebige Helligkeitskennlinien für die Leuchtdiode realisiert werden können, bei denen für verschiedene Helligkeitsbereiche verschiedene Auflösungen eingestellt werden können. Es können somit verschiedene Steigungen der entsprechenden Kennlinie eingestellt werden. Dies hat den Vorteil, dass beispielsweise bei geringen Helligkeitswerten eine sehr feine Auflösung, d.h. eine kleine Kennlinien-Steigung, möglich ist und bei größeren Helligkeiten eine gröbere Auflösung gewählt werden kann, so dass der gesamte ansteuerbare Helligkeitsbereich im Vergleich zu einer herkömmlichen Ansteuerung unverändert relativ groß bleiben kann.The vehicle lighting device according to the invention is characterized in that between the light control device and the at least one light emitting diode, a circuit is arranged, with the pulse width modulated clock pulse signal via different resistances of the at least one light emitting diode can be supplied in response to a control signal. An advantage of the lighting device according to the invention is that by selecting the different resistance values, any brightness characteristic curves for the light-emitting diode can be realized in which different resolutions can be set for different brightness ranges. It can thus be set different slopes of the corresponding characteristic. This has the advantage that, for example, with low brightness values, a very fine resolution, ie a small characteristic gradient, is possible and, for larger brightnesses, a coarser resolution can be selected, so that the total controllable brightness range can remain relatively large compared to a conventional control unchanged.

Gemäß einer bevorzugten Ausgestaltung der erfindungsgemäßen Fahrzeug-Beleuchtungsvorrichtung gibt das Steuersignal den Helligkeitsbereich der zumindest einen Leuchtdiode vor.According to a preferred refinement of the vehicle lighting device according to the invention, the control signal predefines the brightness range of the at least one light-emitting diode.

Gemäß einer weiter bevorzugten Ausgestaltung sind in der Schaltung verschiedene Widerstände vorgesehen, die verschiedenen Helligkeitsbereichen zugeordnet sind. Den Widerständen sind wiederum jeweils Schalter zugeordnet, die mittels Relais oder einer Leistungselektronik geschaltet werden können. Dabei sind die Schalter so angeordnet, dass beim Schließen des Schalters das pulsweitenmodulierte Taktimpulssignal der zumindest einen Leuchtdiode über den dem jeweiligen Schalter zugeordneten Widerstand zuführbar ist. Die Gesamt-Helligkeitskennlinie der zumindest einen Leuchtdiode, die durch die Widerstandsschaltung erzeugt wird, nähert sich dabei gemäß einer bevorzugten Ausgestaltung der erfindungsgemäßen Fahrzeug-Beleuchtungsvorrichtung einer (Logarithmus- oder) Exponentialfunktion an. Diese Ausgestaltung hat den Vorteil, dass Helligkeitsveränderungen besser an die Wahrnehmung des menschlichen Auges angepasst werden können. Die Empfindlichkeit des menschlichen Auges ist nämlich nicht linear, sondern annähernd logarithmisch.According to a further preferred embodiment, various resistances are provided in the circuit, which are assigned to different brightness ranges. The resistors, in turn, each switch assigned, which can be switched by means of relays or power electronics. In this case, the switches are arranged such that when the switch is closed, the pulse-width-modulated clock pulse signal of the at least one light-emitting diode can be supplied via the resistor assigned to the respective switch. The overall brightness characteristic curve of the at least one light-emitting diode which is generated by the resistance circuit approaches a (logarithmic or) exponential function in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the vehicle lighting device according to the invention. This embodiment has the advantage that brightness changes can be better adapted to the perception of the human eye. The sensitivity of the human eye is not linear, but approximately logarithmic.

Gemäß einer bevorzugten Ausgestaltung der erfindungsgemäßen Fahrzeug-Beleuchtungsvorrichtung ist die Schaltung so ausgebildet, dass ein Taktimpulssignal mit kleinerem Tastverhältnis der zumindest einen Leuchtdiode über einen größeren Widerstand zugeführt wird und ein Taktimpulssignal mit größerem Tastverhältnis der zumindest einen Leuchtdiode über einen kleineren Widerstand zugeführt wird. Hierdurch wird erreicht, dass die Helligkeitskennlinie der Leuchtdiode bei geringeren Helligkeiten flacher ist, so dass die Auflösung in diesem Bereich feiner ist, als bei höheren Helligkeiten, selbst wenn das Tastverhältnis des pulsweitenmodulierten Taktimpulssignals in dem Lichtsteuergerät nur mit einer festen Schrittweite über den gesamten Bereich verändert werden kann. Bei größeren Helligkeiten wird somit eine gröbere Auflösung in Kauf genommen. Bei der erfindungsgemäßen Fahrzeug-Beleuchtungsvorrichtung kann somit vorzugsweise ein Lichtsteuergerät eingesetzt werden, welches das Tastverhältnis des pulsweitenmodulierten Taktimpulssignals linear mit fester Schrittweite verändern kann. Es kann somit ein herkömmliches Lichtsteuergerät bei der erfindungsgemäßen Fahrzeug-Beleuchtungsvorrichtung eingesetzt werden, wodurch Kosten gespart werden. Es ist nämlich nur erforderlich, die Schaltung zwischen dem Lichtsteuergerät und der Leuchtdiode vorzusehen.According to a preferred embodiment of the vehicle lighting device according to the invention, the circuit is designed so that a clock pulse signal with a smaller duty cycle of the at least one light emitting diode is supplied via a larger resistor and a clock pulse signal with a larger duty cycle of the at least one light emitting diode is supplied via a smaller resistor. This ensures that the brightness characteristic of the light emitting diode is flatter at lower magnitudes, so that the resolution in this area is finer than at higher magnitudes, even if the duty cycle of the pulse width modulated clock pulse signal in the light control device changes only with a fixed step size over the entire range can be. For larger brightnesses, therefore, a coarser resolution is accepted. In the vehicle lighting device according to the invention can thus be preferably used a light control device, which can change the duty cycle of the pulse width modulated clock pulse signal linearly with a fixed step size. It can thus be a conventional light control device in the vehicle lighting device according to the invention be used, thereby saving costs. It is only necessary to provide the circuit between the light control device and the light emitting diode.

Dadurch, dass die durch die Eigenart des PWM-Steuergerätes begrenzte Anzahl möglicher PWM-Stufen über jeweils einen der mehreren unterschiedlichen Widerstände geleitet werden kann, ergeben sich insgesamt erheblich mehr mögliche Helligkeitsabstufungen der angeschlossenen Leuchten. Aus der Kombination der ursprünglichen Anzahl von "PWM-Stufen" und der Auswahl jeweils eines der Widerstände stehen dem Steuergeräte somit sehr viele "Dimmstufen" zur Verfügung. Dies ermöglicht einerseits einen sehr großen Regelbereich von ganz dunkel zu ganz hell, andererseits sind die kleinstmöglichen Helligkeitsunterschiede zwischen den "Stufen" ausreichend klein, um beim "Durchdimmen" nicht als Helligkeitssprung störend wahrgenommen zu werden.The fact that the limited by the nature of the PWM control unit number of possible PWM stages can be routed through one of the several different resistors, resulting in a total of significantly more possible brightness gradations of the connected lights. From the combination of the original number of "PWM stages" and the selection of one of the resistors are thus the control units very many "dimming levels" available. On the one hand, this allows a very large control range from very dark to very light, on the other hand, the smallest possible differences in brightness between the "steps" are sufficiently small so as not to be perceived as a jump in brightness when "dimming".

Bei dem erfindungsgemäßen Verfahren zum Steuern der Fahrzeug-Beleuchtungsvorrichtung erzeugt das Lichtsteuergerät ein pulsweitenmoduliertes Taktimpulssignal und überträgt es an eine Schaltung. Die Schaltung empfängt ein Steuersignal und führt in Abhängigkeit von dem Steuersignal das pulsweitenmodulierte Taktimpulssignal der zumindest einen Leuchtdiode über verschiedene Widerstände zu. Auf diese Weit kann vorteilhafterweise in Abhängigkeit von dem Steuersignal die Helligkeitsauflösung für jeden Helligkeitsbereich beliebig angepasst werden, wobei weiterhin ein herkömmliches pulsweitenmoduliertes Taktimpulssignal, dessen Tastverhältnis mit einer bestimmten vorgegebenen Schrittweite veränderbar ist, verwendet werden kann.In the method according to the invention for controlling the vehicle lighting device, the light control device generates a pulse-width-modulated clock pulse signal and transmits it to a circuit. The circuit receives a control signal and, in response to the control signal, supplies the pulse width modulated clock pulse signal to the at least one light emitting diode via various resistors. In this way, depending on the control signal, the brightness resolution for each brightness range can advantageously be adjusted as desired, wherein furthermore a conventional pulse-width-modulated clock pulse signal whose duty cycle can be changed with a certain predetermined step size can be used.

Gemäß einer bevorzugten Ausgestaltung des Verfahrens wird dem Lichtsteuergerät eine Soll-Helligkeit übertragen und das Lichtsteuergerät erzeugt das Tastverhältnis des pulsweitenmodulierten Taktimpulssignals in Abhängigkeit von der Soll-Helligkeit. Ferner gibt das Steuersignal vorzugsweise an, in welchem Helligkeitsbereich die Soll-Helligkeit der zumindest einen Leuchtdiode liegt. Jedem Helligkeitsbereich entspricht in diesem Fall ein in der Schaltung vorgesehener Widerstand, wobei sich die Größen der Widerstände unterscheiden. Es kann somit das Tastverhältnis des pulsweitenmodulierten Taktimpulssignals linear mit fester Schrittweite verändert werden, wobei das Tastverhältnis im Abhängigkeit von der _Soll-Helligkeit eingestellt wird. Das Steuersignal gibt vor, über welchen Widerstandspfad das Taktimpulssignal der Leuchtdiode zugeführt wird, so dass die Helligkeitskennlinie, d.h. insbesondere auch die Helligkeitsveränderung zwischen der fest vorgegebenen Schrittweite, über die Widerstände beliebig eingestellt werden kann.According to a preferred embodiment of the method, a desired brightness is transmitted to the light control device and the light control device generates the duty cycle of the pulse width modulated clock pulse signal as a function of the desired brightness. Furthermore, the control signal preferably indicates in which brightness range the desired brightness of the at least one light-emitting diode lies. Each brightness range in this case corresponds to a resistor provided in the circuit, the sizes of the resistors differing. Thus, the duty cycle of the pulse-width-modulated clock pulse signal can be changed linearly with a fixed step size, wherein the duty cycle is set as a function of the _soll brightness. The control signal specifies over which resistor path the clock pulse signal of the light-emitting diode is supplied, so that the brightness characteristic, ie in particular the Brightness change between the fixed predetermined step size over which resistors can be set arbitrarily.

Gemäß einer bevorzugten Ausbildung des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens wird ein Taktimpulssignal mit einem kleineren Tastverhältnis der zumindest einen Leuchtdiode über einen größeren Widerstand zugeführt und ein Taktimpulssignal mit einem größeren Tastverhältnis der zumindest einen Leuchtdiode über einen kleineren Widerstand zugeführt. Hieraus ergibt sich bei einer niedrigeren Helligkeit eine flachere Helligkeitskennlinie der Leuchtdiode, so dass eine feinere Auflösung in diesem Helligkeitsbereich möglich ist.According to a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, a clock pulse signal having a smaller duty cycle is supplied to the at least one light-emitting diode via a larger resistor, and a clock pulse signal having a larger duty cycle is supplied to the at least one light-emitting diode via a smaller resistor. This results in a flatter brightness characteristic of the LED at a lower brightness, so that a finer resolution in this brightness range is possible.

Gemäß einer bevorzugten Weiterbildung des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens hängt die Soll-Helligkeit von den Umgebungsbedingungen des Kraftfahrzeugs ab. Hierdurch kann insbesondere die Sichtbarkeit der rückwärtigen Lichtsignale am Fahrzeug verbessert werden, da sie beispielsweise bei Tag und bei Nacht zu unterschiedlichen Helligkeiten führen.According to a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the desired brightness depends on the ambient conditions of the motor vehicle. As a result, in particular the visibility of the rear light signals on the vehicle can be improved, since they lead to different brightnesses, for example during the day and at night.

Bei der Beleuchtungsvorrichtung kann es sich beispielsweise um Innenbeleuchtungseinheiten oder Außenbeleuchtungseinheiten eines Kraftfahrzeugs handeln. Es kann sich um Scheinwerfer, um Fahrtrichtungsanzeiger, um Schluss- und Bremsleuchten am Heck des Fahrzeugs, um den Rückfahrscheinwerfer, um Tagfahrleuchten, Nebelscheinwerfer, seitliche Blinkleuchten oder adaptive Beleuchtungsfunktionen des Fahrzeugs handeln.The lighting device may be, for example, interior lighting units or exterior lighting units of a motor vehicle. These may be headlamps, direction indicators, tail and tail lights at the rear of the vehicle, reversing lights, daytime running lights, fog lights, side direction indicators or adaptive lighting functions of the vehicle.

Die Erfindung wird nun anhand eines Ausführungsbeispiels mit Bezug zu den Zeichnungen erläutert.

Fig. 1
zeigt schematisch ein Ausführungsbeispiel der erfindungsgemäßen Fahrzeug-Beleuchtungsvorrichtung und
Fig. 2
zeigt die Helligkeitskennlinie der Leuchtdiode der Beleuchtungsvorrichtung nach dem in Fig. 1 gezeigten Ausführungsbeispiel.
The invention will now be explained with reference to an embodiment with reference to the drawings.
Fig. 1
schematically shows an embodiment of the vehicle lighting device according to the invention and
Fig. 2
shows the brightness characteristic of the light-emitting diode of the lighting device according to the embodiment shown in Fig. 1.

Die Beleuchtungsvorrichtung weist eine Leuchtdiode 3 oder ein Feld mit einer Vielzahl von Leuchtdioden auf. Die Leuchtdiode 3 wird über ein an sich bekanntes Lichtsteuergerät 1 angesteuert. Dieses Lichtsteuergerät 1 erhält über einen Fahrzeugbus 5 einen Wert für die Soll-Helligkeit. Das Lichtsteuergerät erzeugt hieraus ein pulsweitenmoduliertes Taktimpulssignal, dessen Tastverhältnis dem Wert der Soll-Helligkeit entspricht. Dabei kann das Lichtsteuergerät 1 die in Fig. 2 gezeigte Helligkeitskennlinie der Beleuchtungsvorrichtung berücksichtigen. Das pulsweitenmodulierte Taktimpulssignal PWM wird an die Schaltung 2 übertragen. Ferner wird an die Schaltung 2 ein Steuersignal S übertragen. Im gezeigten Ausführungsbeispiel wird dieses Steuersignal S auch von dem Lichtsteuergerät 1 übertragen.The lighting device has a light-emitting diode 3 or a field with a plurality of light-emitting diodes. The LED 3 is controlled by a known light control device 1. This light control device 1 receives a value for the desired brightness via a vehicle bus 5. The light controller generates from this a pulse width modulated clock pulse signal whose duty cycle corresponds to the value of the desired brightness. In this case, the light control device 1 shown in FIG Take into account the brightness characteristic of the lighting device. The pulse width modulated clock pulse signal PWM is transmitted to the circuit 2. Furthermore, a control signal S is transmitted to the circuit 2. In the exemplary embodiment shown, this control signal S is also transmitted by the light control device 1.

In der Schaltung 2 sind parallel verschiedene Vorwiderstände R1, R2 und R3 für die Leuchtdiode 3 vorgesehen. Jedem Vorwiderstand R1, R2 bzw. R3 ist ein Schalter S1, S2 bzw. S3 zugeordnet. Jeweils einer dieser Schalter S1, S2 bzw. S3 kann von einer Steuerung 4 geschlossen werden. Die Widerstände R1, R2 und R3 sind über ihre jeweiligen Schalter S1, S2 und S3 einerseits mit der Leuchtdiode und andererseits mit dem Eingang der Schaltung 2 für das Taktimpulssignal von dem Lichtsteuergerät 1 verbunden. Wird somit von der Steuerung 4 beispielsweise der Schalter S1 geschlossen, wird das Taktimpulssignal der Leuchtdiode 3 über den Widerstand R1 zugeführt. Ist andererseits der Schalter S2 geschlossen, wird das Taktimpulssignal über den Widerstand R2 und entsprechend bei geschlossenem S3 über den Widerstand R3 der Leuchtdiode 3 zugeführt.In the circuit 2, different series resistors R1, R2 and R3 are provided in parallel for the light-emitting diode 3. Each series resistor R1, R2 or R3 is assigned a switch S1, S2 or S3. In each case one of these switches S1, S2 or S3 can be closed by a controller 4. The resistors R1, R2 and R3 are connected via their respective switches S1, S2 and S3 on the one hand to the light-emitting diode and on the other hand to the input of the circuit 2 for the clock pulse signal from the light control device 1. If, for example, the switch S1 is closed by the controller 4, the clock pulse signal is supplied to the light-emitting diode 3 via the resistor R1. On the other hand, if the switch S2 is closed, the clock pulse signal via the resistor R2 and corresponding to S3 is supplied via the resistor R3 of the light emitting diode 3.

Bei der Steuerung 4 handelt es sich um einen Mikrocontroller mit einer Schnittstelle für den Bus 5, über den das Steuersignal S zugeführt wird. In der Steuerung 4 sind außerdem Relais oder eine Leistungselektronik, beispielsweise mit Leistungshalbleitern, vorgesehen, welche die Schalter S1, S2 und S3 darstellen. Den Widerständen R1, R2 und R3 sind jeweils Helligkeitsbereiche A, B und C (vgl. Fig. 2) zugeordnet. Stellt das Steuersignal S den Soll-Helligkeitswert dar, ermittelt die Steuerung 4 in welchem Helligkeitsbereich A, B oder C sich der Soll-Helligkeitswert befindet. Ist der Soll-Helligkeitswert im Bereich A, schließt die Steuerung 4 den Schalter S1, ist der Soll-Helligkeitswert im Helligkeitsbereich B, schließt die Steuerung 4 den Schalter S2 und ist der Soll-Helligkeitswert im Helligkeitsbereich C, schließt die Steuerung 4 den Schalter S3. auf diese Weise kann die in Fig. 2 gezeigte Helligkeitskennlinie erzeugt werden.The controller 4 is a microcontroller with an interface for the bus 5, via which the control signal S is supplied. In the controller 4 also relays or power electronics, for example with power semiconductors, are provided, which represent the switches S1, S2 and S3. The resistors R1, R2 and R3 are each assigned brightness ranges A, B and C (see Fig. 2). If the control signal S represents the setpoint brightness value, the controller 4 determines in which brightness range A, B or C the setpoint brightness value is located. If the setpoint brightness value is in the range A, the controller 4 closes the switch S1, the setpoint brightness value is in the brightness range B, the controller 4 closes the switch S2 and if the setpoint brightness value is in the brightness range C, the controller 4 closes the switch S3 , In this way, the brightness characteristic shown in Fig. 2 can be generated.

Werden in der Schaltung 2 nicht nur drei Widerstände, sondern eine größere Anzahl von Widerständen verwendet, kann man die Kennlinie einer Exponentialfunktion annähern, welcher der logarithmischen Empfindlichkeit des menschlichen Auges Rechnung trägt. Charakteristisch an der in Fig. 2 gezeigten Kennlinie ist, dass im Helligkeitsbereich A die Helligkeit der Leuchtdiode 3 in sehr viel kleineren Schritten verändert werden kann, als im Helligkeitsbereich B oder C. Das Tastverhältnis des pulsweitenmodulierten Taktimpulssignals PWM, das von dem an sich bekannten Lichtsteuergerät 1 erzeugt wird, kann nämlich nur linear mit einer festen Schrittweite von beispielsweise 1 % verändert werden. Bei der von der erfindungsgemäßen Fahrzeug-Beleuchtungsvorrichtung erzeugten Helligkeitskennlinie stehen jedoch im Helligkeitsbereich A für eine bestimmte Helligkeitsveränderung sehr viel mehr Schritte zur Verfügung, als in den Helligkeitsbereichen B und C. Andererseits ist der insgesamt zur Verfügung stehende Helligkeitsbereich ausreichend groß, da bei höheren Helligkeiten nur eine gröbere Auflösung gewählt wird. Eine derartige Kennlinie ist insbesondere für die rückwärtigen Lichtsignale eines Kraftfahrzeugs vorteilhaft.If not only three resistors but a larger number of resistors are used in the circuit 2, one can approximate the characteristic of an exponential function which takes into account the logarithmic sensitivity of the human eye. Characteristic of the characteristic shown in Fig. 2 is that in the brightness range A, the brightness of the light emitting diode 3 can be changed in much smaller steps, as in the brightness range B or C. The duty cycle of the pulse width modulated clock pulse signal PWM, that of the known light control device 1 is generated, namely only linearly with a fixed step size of, for example, 1% to be changed. In the brightness characteristic curve generated by the vehicle lighting device according to the invention, however, a lot more steps are available in the brightness range A for a certain change in brightness than in the brightness ranges B and C. On the other hand, the total available brightness range is sufficiently large, since at higher brightnesses only a coarser resolution is chosen. Such a characteristic is particularly advantageous for the rear light signals of a motor vehicle.

BEZUGSZEICHENLISTELIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

11
LichtsteuergerätLight control unit
22
Schaltungcircuit
33
Leuchtdiodeled
44
Steuerungcontrol
55
Fahrzeugbusvehicle bus
SS
Steuersignalcontrol signal
PWMPWM
Pulsweitenmoduliertes TaktimpulssignalPulse width modulated clock pulse signal
R1, R2, R3R1, R2, R3
Widerstände mit unterschiedlichen WertenResistors with different values
S1, S2, S3S1, S2, S3
Schalterswitch

Claims (13)

Fahrzeug-Beleuchtungsvorrichtung mit zumindest einer Leuchtdiode (3) und einem Lichtsteuergerät (1), wobei das Lichtsteuergerät (1) mit der zumindest einen Leuchtdiode (3) verbunden ist und mit dem Lichtsteuergerät (1) ein pulsweitenmoduliertes Taktimpulssignal (PWM) erzeugbar und an die zumindest eine Leuchtdiode (3) übertragbar ist, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass zwischen dem Lichtsteuergerät (1) und der zumindest einen Leuchtdiode (3) eine Schaltung (2) angeordnet ist, mit der in Abhängigkeit von einem Steuersignal (S) das pulsweitenmodulierte Taktimpulssignal (PWM) über verschiedene Widerstände (R1, R2, R3) der zumindest einen Leuchtdiode (3) zuführbar ist.Vehicle lighting device with at least one light emitting diode (3) and a light control device (1), wherein the light control device (1) with the at least one light emitting diode (3) is connected to the light control device (1) and a pulse width modulated clock pulse signal (PWM) generated and to the at least one light-emitting diode (3) is transferable, characterized in that between the light control device (1) and the at least one light emitting diode (3) a circuit (2) is arranged, with the pulse width modulated clock pulse signal (PWM) in response to a control signal (S) ) via different resistors (R1, R2, R3) of the at least one light-emitting diode (3) can be fed. Fahrzeug-Beleuchtungsvorrichtung nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Steuersignal (S) den Helligkeitsbereich der zumindest einen Leuchtdiode (3) vorgibt.Vehicle lighting device according to claim 1, characterized in that the control signal (S) defines the brightness range of the at least one light-emitting diode (3). Fahrzeug-Beleuchtungsvorrichtung nach Anspruch 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass in der Schaltung (2) verschiedene Widerstände (R1, R2, R3) vorgesehen sind, dass die Widerstände (R1, R2, R3) verschiedenen Helligkeitsbereichen (A, B, C) zugeordnet sind und dass den Widerständen (R1, R2, R3) jeweils Schalter (S1, S2, S3) zugeordnet sind, die mittels Relais oder einer Leistungselektronik geschaltet werden können, und dass die Schalter (S1, S2, S3) so angeordnet sind, dass beim Schließen des Schalters das pulsweitenmodulierte Taktimpulssignal (PWM) der zumindest einen Leuchtdiode (3) über den dem jeweiligen Schalter zugeordneten Widerstand zuführbar ist.Vehicle lighting device according to claim 2, characterized in that in the circuit (2) different resistors (R1, R2, R3) are provided, that the resistors (R1, R2, R3) are assigned to different brightness ranges (A, B, C) and that the resistors (R1, R2, R3) are each associated with switches (S1, S2, S3) which can be switched by means of relays or power electronics, and in that the switches (S1, S2, S3) are arranged so that Closing of the switch, the pulse width modulated clock pulse signal (PWM) of the at least one light emitting diode (3) via the resistor associated with the respective switch can be fed. Fahrzeug-Beleuchtungsvorrichtung nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die durch die Widerstandsschaltung erzeugte Helligkeitskennlinie der zumindest einen Leuchtdiode (3) sich einer Exponentialfunktion annähert.Vehicle lighting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the brightness characteristic curve generated by the resistance circuit of the at least one light-emitting diode (3) approaches an exponential function. Fahrzeug-Beleuchtungsvorrichtung nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Schaltung (2) so ausgebildet ist, dass ein Taktimpulssignal mit kleinerem Tastverhältnis der zumindest einen Leuchtdiode (3) über einen größeren Widerstand zugeführt wird und ein Taktimpulssignal mit größerem Tastverhältnis der zumindest einen Leuchtdiode über einen kleineren Widerstand zugeführt wird.Vehicle lighting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the circuit (2) is formed so that a clock pulse signal with a smaller duty cycle of the at least one light emitting diode (3) is supplied via a larger resistance and a clock pulse signal with larger duty cycle of at least one light emitting diode via a smaller resistor is supplied. Fahrzeug-Beleuchtungsvorrichtung nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Schaltung (2) mit einem Fahrzeugbus (5) verbunden ist, über den das Steuersignal (S) übertragbar ist.Vehicle lighting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the circuit (2) with a vehicle bus (5) is connected, via which the control signal (S) is transferable. Fahrzeug-Beleuchtungsvorrichtung nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Lichtsteuergeräte (1) das Tastverhältnis des pulsweitenmodulierten Taktimpulssignals (PWM) linear mit fester Schrittweite verändern kann.Vehicle lighting device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the light control device (1) can change the duty cycle of the pulse width modulated clock pulse signal (PWM) linearly with a fixed step size. Verfahren zum Steuern einer Fahrzeug-Beleuchtungsvorrichtung mit zumindest einer Leuchtdiode (3) und einem Lichtsteuergerät (1), bei dem das Lichtsteuergerät (1) ein pulsweitenmoduliertes Taktimpulssignal (PWM) erzeugt und an eine Schaltung (2) überträgt und die Schaltung (2) ein Steuersignal (S) empfängt und in Abhängigkeit von dem Steuersignal (S) das pulsweitenmodulierte Taktimpulssignal (PWM) der zumindest einen Leuchtdiode (3) über verschiedene Widerstände (R1, R2, R3) zuführt.Method for controlling a vehicle lighting device having at least one light emitting diode (3) and a light control device (1), wherein the light control device (1) generates a pulse width modulated clock pulse signal (PWM) and transmits it to a circuit (2) and the circuit (2) Control signal (S) receives and in response to the control signal (S), the pulse width modulated clock pulse signal (PWM) of the at least one light emitting diode (3) via different resistors (R1, R2, R3) supplies. Verfahren nach Anspruch 8, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass dem Lichtsteuergerät (1) eine Soll-Helligkeit übertragen wird und dass das Lichtsteuergerät (1) das Tastverhältnis des pulsweitenmodulierten Taktimpulssignals (PWM) und das Steuersignal (S) in Abhängigkeit von der Soll-Helligkeit erzeugt.A method according to claim 8, characterized in that the light control device (1) a desired brightness is transmitted and that the light control device (1) generates the duty cycle of the pulse width modulated clock pulse signal (PWM) and the control signal (S) in dependence on the target brightness. Verfahren nach Anspruch 8 oder 9, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Steuersignal (S) angibt, in welchem Helligkeitsbereich (A, B, C) die Soll-Helligkeit der zumindest einen Leuchtdiode (3) liegt und dass jedem Helligkeitsbereich (A, B, C) ein in der Schaltung 2 vorgesehener Widerstand (R1, R2, R3) entspricht, wobei sich die Größen der Widerstände (R1, R2, R3) unterscheiden.Method according to Claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the control signal (S) indicates in which brightness range (A, B, C) the desired brightness of the at least one light-emitting diode (3) lies and that each brightness range (A, B, C ) is provided in the circuit 2 provided resistor (R1, R2, R3), wherein the sizes of the resistors (R1, R2, R3) differ. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 8 bis 10, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Lichtsteuergerät (1) das Tastverhältnis des pulsweitenmodulierten Taktimpulssignals (PWM) linear mit fester Schrittweite verändert.Method according to one of claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the light control device (1) changes the duty cycle of the pulse width modulated clock pulse signal (PWM) linearly with a fixed step size. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 8 bis 11, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass ein Taktimpulssignal mit einem kleineren Tastverhältnis der zumindest einen Leuchtdiode (3) über einen größeren Widerstand zugeführt wird und ein Taktimpulssignal mit einem größeren Tastverhältnis der zumindest einen Leuchtdiode (3) über einen kleineren Widerstand zugeführt wird.Method according to one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that a clock pulse signal having a smaller duty cycle of the at least one Light emitting diode (3) is supplied via a larger resistor and a clock pulse signal having a larger duty ratio of the at least one light emitting diode (3) is supplied via a smaller resistor. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 8 bis 12, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Soll-Helligkeit von den Umgebungsbedingungen des Fahrzeugs abhängt.Method according to one of claims 8 to 12, characterized in that the desired brightness depends on the ambient conditions of the vehicle.
EP05022530A 2004-10-18 2005-10-14 Vehicle lighting apparatus and method for controlling a vehicle lighting apparatus Not-in-force EP1648204B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE102004050655A DE102004050655A1 (en) 2004-10-18 2004-10-18 A vehicle lighting device and method for controlling a vehicle lighting device

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1648204A1 true EP1648204A1 (en) 2006-04-19
EP1648204B1 EP1648204B1 (en) 2008-06-25

Family

ID=35385815

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP05022530A Not-in-force EP1648204B1 (en) 2004-10-18 2005-10-14 Vehicle lighting apparatus and method for controlling a vehicle lighting apparatus

Country Status (5)

Country Link
US (1) US7385495B2 (en)
EP (1) EP1648204B1 (en)
JP (1) JP5043324B2 (en)
AT (1) ATE399452T1 (en)
DE (2) DE102004050655A1 (en)

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102006003469A1 (en) * 2006-01-25 2007-07-26 Hella Kgaa Hueck & Co. Circuit arrangement for switching of day running headlight in motor vehicle, has electronic switch element e.g. transistor, where arrangement has integrated switching circuit
DE102011018573A1 (en) * 2011-04-26 2012-10-31 Audi Ag Drive device for a lighting device of a motor vehicle and motor vehicle
EP2744124A1 (en) * 2012-12-11 2014-06-18 Panasonic Corporation Visible light communication device
EP2765835A1 (en) * 2006-06-22 2014-08-13 Tridonic GmbH & Co KG Dimmable control device with internal dimming characteristic curve
WO2020152217A1 (en) * 2019-01-22 2020-07-30 Meridian Ag Driver circuit, method for laser actuation, and ophthalmological laser treatment device

Families Citing this family (13)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JP2009023594A (en) * 2007-07-23 2009-02-05 Stanley Electric Co Ltd Led luminaire
JP4805985B2 (en) * 2008-07-29 2011-11-02 廣美科技股▲分▼有限公司 Constant current light emitting device for vehicles
TW201138544A (en) * 2010-04-22 2011-11-01 Advanced Connectek Inc LED module capable of controlling illumination brightness
US8803711B1 (en) * 2010-09-22 2014-08-12 Brunswick Corporation Systems and methods for displaying operational characteristics of marine vessels
TWM400964U (en) * 2010-09-29 2011-04-01 chang-sheng Liu Light-emitting device for cars
CN102724785A (en) * 2011-03-29 2012-10-10 鸿富锦精密工业（深圳）有限公司 Control circuit
WO2013033096A2 (en) 2011-08-29 2013-03-07 J.W. Speaker Corporation Locomotive headlight assembly
BR112014030712A2 (en) * 2012-06-08 2017-06-27 Thomson Licensing apparatus and method for controlling indicator lamps on a device
WO2016070150A1 (en) * 2014-10-31 2016-05-06 Sagem Avionics Llc. System for adaptive non-linear light dimming of electro-optical devices
WO2017110935A1 (en) * 2015-12-22 2017-06-29 株式会社小糸製作所 Vehicle illumination device, vehicle, and illumination control system
JP2021048523A (en) * 2019-09-19 2021-03-25 株式会社東芝 Led drive control circuit, electronic circuit, and method for controlling led drive
CN212544114U (en) * 2020-04-27 2021-02-12 丽宝大数据股份有限公司 Current control device with high-precision control
EP4415482A1 (en) * 2023-02-07 2024-08-14 odelo GmbH Lighting means with several leds as light sources for two light functions with an overlap of the area for their implementation and vehicle lamp equipped therewith

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6329764B1 (en) * 2000-04-19 2001-12-11 Van De Ven Antony Method and apparatus to improve the color rendering of a solid state light source
EP1278401A1 (en) * 2001-06-27 2003-01-22 Alcatel Power converter for generating a constant LED signal
US6628249B1 (en) * 1999-11-12 2003-09-30 Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha Light emitting apparatus, method for driving the light emitting apparatus, and display apparatus including the light emitting apparatus

Family Cites Families (27)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3972626A (en) 1975-06-17 1976-08-03 General Electric Company Autoranging digital luxmeter
JPS5545235A (en) 1978-09-26 1980-03-29 Nippon Denso Co Ltd Analogue-digital converter
DE4021131A1 (en) 1990-07-03 1992-01-09 Zumtobel Ag CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENT AND METHOD FOR APPROACHING A NON-LINEAR TRANSMISSION FUNCTION
JPH0869886A (en) 1994-08-30 1996-03-12 Sony Corp Dimming device
US5661645A (en) 1996-06-27 1997-08-26 Hochstein; Peter A. Power supply for light emitting diode array
WO1999020085A1 (en) 1997-10-10 1999-04-22 Se Kang Electric Co., Ltd. Electric lamp circuit and structure using light emitting diodes
DE19748007A1 (en) 1997-10-30 1999-05-12 Tridonic Bauelemente Interface for a lamp control gear
JPH11214183A (en) 1998-01-22 1999-08-06 Hochiki Corp Light emitting circuit
JPH11266295A (en) * 1998-03-16 1999-09-28 Nec Saitama Ltd Device and method for displaying backlight of portable telephone set
JP3767181B2 (en) * 1998-07-15 2006-04-19 松下電工株式会社 Lighting device
US6786625B2 (en) 1999-05-24 2004-09-07 Jam Strait, Inc. LED light module for vehicles
DE19930174A1 (en) 1999-06-30 2001-01-04 Patent Treuhand Ges Fuer Elektrische Gluehlampen Mbh Control circuit for LED and associated operating method
DE19945546B4 (en) 1999-09-23 2005-06-23 Reitter & Schefenacker Gmbh & Co. Kg Method for controlling lamps of vehicles, preferably of motor vehicles, and device for carrying out the method
DE19950135A1 (en) 1999-10-18 2001-04-19 Patent Treuhand Ges Fuer Elektrische Gluehlampen Mbh Control circuit for LED array has master string with given number of LEDs in string and control circuit also controls semiconducting switch of slave string
DE10011306A1 (en) 2000-03-10 2001-09-13 Patent Treuhand Ges Fuer Elektrische Gluehlampen Mbh Device for controlling light sources with ballast
DE10013216A1 (en) 2000-03-17 2001-09-20 Tridonic Bauelemente Voltage supply for LEDs for illumination purposes has control loop that sets supply voltage so that voltage drop between transistor outputs corresponds to value above saturation voltage
DE20023993U1 (en) 2000-03-17 2008-09-25 Tridonicatco Gmbh & Co. Kg Control circuit for light emitting diodes
DE10027478A1 (en) 2000-06-02 2001-12-06 Hella Kg Hueck & Co Lighting device for a motor vehicle
DE10112114C2 (en) 2001-03-14 2003-02-27 Vossloh Schwabe Elektronik Control device for a lighting device
US20030011625A1 (en) 2001-07-13 2003-01-16 Kellis James T. Brightness control of displays using exponential current source
DE10136658A1 (en) 2001-07-27 2003-02-13 Patent Treuhand Ges Fuer Elektrische Gluehlampen Mbh Dimming module
DE10230154A1 (en) 2002-07-04 2004-01-15 Patent-Treuhand-Gesellschaft für elektrische Glühlampen mbH supply unit
US6724158B1 (en) * 2002-10-28 2004-04-20 Honeywell International Inc. Power linearization technique for controlling the luminance of light emitting display devices
DE10304875A1 (en) 2003-02-06 2004-08-19 Patent-Treuhand-Gesellschaft für elektrische Glühlampen mbH Circuit arrangement and method for a lighting device with adjustable color and brightness
US6864641B2 (en) 2003-02-20 2005-03-08 Visteon Global Technologies, Inc. Method and apparatus for controlling light emitting diodes
JP4030903B2 (en) 2003-03-14 2008-01-09 株式会社小糸製作所 Vehicle lighting
JP2005332586A (en) * 2004-05-18 2005-12-02 Calsonic Kansei Corp Lighting dimmer

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6628249B1 (en) * 1999-11-12 2003-09-30 Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha Light emitting apparatus, method for driving the light emitting apparatus, and display apparatus including the light emitting apparatus
US6329764B1 (en) * 2000-04-19 2001-12-11 Van De Ven Antony Method and apparatus to improve the color rendering of a solid state light source
EP1278401A1 (en) * 2001-06-27 2003-01-22 Alcatel Power converter for generating a constant LED signal

Cited By (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102006003469A1 (en) * 2006-01-25 2007-07-26 Hella Kgaa Hueck & Co. Circuit arrangement for switching of day running headlight in motor vehicle, has electronic switch element e.g. transistor, where arrangement has integrated switching circuit
EP2765835A1 (en) * 2006-06-22 2014-08-13 Tridonic GmbH & Co KG Dimmable control device with internal dimming characteristic curve
DE102011018573A1 (en) * 2011-04-26 2012-10-31 Audi Ag Drive device for a lighting device of a motor vehicle and motor vehicle
US8970112B2 (en) 2011-04-26 2015-03-03 Audi Ag Actuation device for a lighting device of a motor vehicle and motor vehicle
EP2744124A1 (en) * 2012-12-11 2014-06-18 Panasonic Corporation Visible light communication device
CN103873143A (en) * 2012-12-11 2014-06-18 松下电器产业株式会社 Visible light communication device
CN103873143B (en) * 2012-12-11 2017-04-12 松下知识产权经营株式会社 Visible light communication device
WO2020152217A1 (en) * 2019-01-22 2020-07-30 Meridian Ag Driver circuit, method for laser actuation, and ophthalmological laser treatment device
CH715767A1 (en) * 2019-01-22 2020-07-31 Meridian Ag Driver electronics and methods for laser control.

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US20060083011A1 (en) 2006-04-20
ATE399452T1 (en) 2008-07-15
DE502005004509D1 (en) 2008-08-07
DE102004050655A1 (en) 2006-06-01
JP2006111265A (en) 2006-04-27
JP5043324B2 (en) 2012-10-10
US7385495B2 (en) 2008-06-10
EP1648204B1 (en) 2008-06-25

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
EP1648204B1 (en) Vehicle lighting apparatus and method for controlling a vehicle lighting apparatus
DE19945546B4 (en) Method for controlling lamps of vehicles, preferably of motor vehicles, and device for carrying out the method
EP2548414B1 (en) Actuation of a lighting module
DE102013210261B4 (en) Lighting device for a vehicle
EP2548768A2 (en) Headlamp for a motor vehicle
EP1558063A1 (en) Method and device for controlling at least one illumination device
DE102007040042A1 (en) System for generating a light beam in the apron of a motor vehicle
DE19945775B4 (en) Luminaire arrangement as a tail light for a motor vehicle
EP1594346A2 (en) Method for control of a vehicle turning indicator
DE102016112550A1 (en) LIGHTING ASSEMBLY, VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICE AND VEHICLE
DE102016206275A1 (en) Method for operating at least one lighting device of a stationary motor vehicle
DE102012201415A1 (en) Circuit arrangement, light unit for a vehicle and method for driving semiconductor light elements
DE102004003698B4 (en) Circuit arrangement for controlling bulbs
DE10260796B3 (en) Control device for vehicle signal lights, has clock circuit that individually controls load current of at least two signal lights with defined clock sequence and is supplied by signal transmitter circuit
DE102012023786A1 (en) Headlamp arrangement for motor car e.g. passenger car, adjusts the frequency of operating signal depending on the current operating state of motor car or depending on a vehicle environment
DE102010043013A1 (en) Illumination device for illuminating furniture, has control device to provide drive signals to white light sources based on input signal so that overall color temperature and brightness emitted from light source assembly are adjusted
DE102013006186A1 (en) Dynamic daytime running light
WO2009095194A2 (en) Led onboard power system
EP2088833B1 (en) Method for operating a motor vehicle Led-lighting device
EP3636491A1 (en) Vehicle light and method for its operation
EP3305026B1 (en) Led light module for a lighting device for vehicles
DE102020117908B4 (en) Lighting device for emitting light of a continuously adjustable color, in particular for individualizing and/or illuminating an interior
DE102008027148A1 (en) Method for operating light source of motor vehicle, particularly tail-lamp of motor vehicle, involves applying light emitting diodes as illuminant, and controlling multiple light emitting diodes separately
DE102004036137B4 (en) Control device for a lighting device of a vehicle and method for controlling such a lighting device
DE102010031589A1 (en) Control circuitry of infrared light source for light module e.g. headlight of vehicle, has switching unit that is provided to alternately connect parallel light modules with operation apparatus

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
PUAI Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: A1

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR

AX Request for extension of the european patent

Extension state: AL BA HR MK YU

17P Request for examination filed

Effective date: 20061019

17Q First examination report despatched

Effective date: 20061117

AKX Designation fees paid

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR

GRAP Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1

RIN1 Information on inventor provided before grant (corrected)

Inventor name: BUHR, CHRISTOPH

Inventor name: BOETTCHER, ANJA

GRAS Grant fee paid

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3

GRAA (expected) grant

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210

AK Designated contracting states

Kind code of ref document: B1

Designated state(s): AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC NL PL PT RO SE SI SK TR

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: GB

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: NOT ENGLISH

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: EP

REF Corresponds to:

Ref document number: 502005004509

Country of ref document: DE

Date of ref document: 20080807

Kind code of ref document: P

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FG4D

Free format text: LANGUAGE OF EP DOCUMENT: GERMAN

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20080625

Ref country code: SI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20080625

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: NL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20080625

Ref country code: LV

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20080625

Ref country code: PL

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20080625

NLV1 Nl: lapsed or annulled due to failure to fulfill the requirements of art. 29p and 29m of the patents act
PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: SE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20080925

Ref country code: PT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20081125

Ref country code: CZ

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20080625

Ref country code: ES

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20081006

Ref country code: LT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20080625

Ref country code: IS

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20081025

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: IE

Ref legal event code: FD4D

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: RO

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20080625

Ref country code: SK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20080625

BERE Be: lapsed

Owner name: VOLKSWAGEN AG

Effective date: 20081031

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20080625

Ref country code: BG

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20080925

Ref country code: EE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20080625

Ref country code: DK

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20080625

PLBE No opposition filed within time limit

Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261

STAA Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent

Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: MC

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20081031

26N No opposition filed

Effective date: 20090326

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: FR

Ref legal event code: ST

Effective date: 20090630

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: IT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20080625

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: BE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20081031

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: FR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20081031

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: AT

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20081014

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: CH

Ref legal event code: PL

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: LU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20081014

Ref country code: CY

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20080625

Ref country code: HU

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20081226

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: TR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20080625

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GR

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT

Effective date: 20080926

Ref country code: LI

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20091031

Ref country code: CH

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20091031

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: GB

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20091014

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R079

Ref document number: 502005004509

Country of ref document: DE

Free format text: PREVIOUS MAIN CLASS: H05B0033080000

Ipc: H05B0045000000

PGFP Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Payment date: 20211031

Year of fee payment: 17

REG Reference to a national code

Ref country code: DE

Ref legal event code: R119

Ref document number: 502005004509

Country of ref document: DE

PG25 Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo]

Ref country code: DE

Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES

Effective date: 20230503